Kathryn's Story

Plasma donor Kathryn has given 42 donations over nearly 30 years. Giving blood has become as much a part of Kathryn’s everyday life as going to work, her hobbies of cake decorating and working out at the gym, and her family – she is married with two teenage daughters.

Giving blood is part of her family’s life too; her husband gives blood and her eldest daughter Paige came in to donate plasma for the first time last week. ‘I try to promote it whenever I can,’ says Kathryn, ‘and encourage others to donate too.’

Kathryn knows personally just how important blood donation can be. Sadly, Kathryn’s son was born prematurely and lived to just four months old. In his short life he had a number of transfusions. Kathryn has also had friends who have had cancer and knows that blood and blood products are often needed in cancer treatment. ‘I know the benefits giving blood can provide.’

Thinking about her motivation for donating, Kathryn says ‘Blood is something I can give freely. It doesn’t cost anything to donate, you don’t need to be wealthy.’ The nurses and staff at the Epsom Donor Centre also keep her coming back. ‘They’re so lovely and always happy and friendly. Plus I get cups of tea and coffee brought to me!’

Can you help?

If you’re a whole blood donor, why not consider switching to plasma donation? To become a plasma donor, you need to:

• Be 18-60 years old
• Meet certain height and weight requirements (Take the quiz at http://www.nzblood.co.nz/give-blood/heart-of-gold/)
• Have donated whole blood at least once in the last two years
• Meet donor eligibility requirements listed in the donor questionnaire
• Have suitable veins and haemoglobin levels
• Can donate at the Epsom, Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch or Dunedin Donor Centres.

To find out more about becoming a plasma donor, call 0800 GIVE BLOOD or visit http://www.nzblood.co.nz/give-blood/heart-of-gold/